Everyone is aware of the qualities of Bernardo Silva. However, the Manchester City footballer has given a lesson in the Champions League to all those who claim that having a good physique is an essential aspect to succeed in the current football scenario. The Portuguese shone in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich and the semi-finals against Real Madrid despite being defended by two beasts like Alphonso Davies and Eduardo Camavinga.
The former Benfica player took advantage of his full repertoire in both qualifiers, overcoming the strength and pace of both defenders, being vital in attack and defense for the ‘Citizens’.
‘Masterclass’ against Bayern
He particularly stood out in the first leg in the quarter-finals in an impressive 3–0 win at the Etihad. With one goal and one assist, the Portuguese was one of the best in the game, although the UEFA MVP for the side was John Stones.
Bernardo Silva signed in a sensational game in which he beat Alphonso Davies on 80 minutes (Tuchel replaced him with Cancelo). Despite being much slower than the Canadian, the Portuguese’s wide range of talent and technical resources kept Davies on a short leash, unable to attempt his usual adventures in the left lane.
With ‘simple’ hints and endless solutions to overcome rivals (including pips), it was a headache for the entire Bavarian defence. In defence, he was also instrumental in helping Manuel Akanji (at right-back) to block Davies’s efforts and stopping one-on-one efforts by Sane and Koeman (who changed bands throughout the match).
In the return in Germany (1–1) his game was more committed. In turn, Bayern Munich presented the game better than England. However, the tie had already been settled at the Etihad.
MVP against Real Madrid
The points order was reversed in the semi-final against Real Madrid. In the first leg he failed to unleash all his football but in return he performed at a very low level. “My performance in the first game in Madrid was not what I wanted and I wanted to make up for it. I had to do better today”, he added to ‘BT Sport’ after the accident.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dancing against Real Madrid did not show at the Etihad (4-0). The score would have been even more embarrassing if Thibaut had not been Courtois. Bernardo Silva had to fight Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman, another physical marvel, started as Carlo Ancelotti’s patch for left-back but eventually held the key to the white left lane after putting in some fine displays in that position.
However, like Alfonso Davies in the quarter-finals, he could not stop the Portuguese, who scored the first two goals of the match and was voted MVP of the match by UEFA. He was unbalanced with his dribbling, he created a lot of threats with his great vision of the game, he sacrificed himself as usual in defensive work and the whole of the Etihad recognized his performances.
Psg wants it
Guardiola admitted a few months ago, “Bernardo Silva is one of the best players I have ever coached.” And not for less. The Portuguese has performed in all the positions and roles that were expected of him. Winger, Midfielder, False ‘9’, Interior, Midfielder and even Winger. A complete footballer brimming with talent.
His name has been linked with Barca for several months, although PSG want him to square off with Mbappé in order to achieve their pharaonic project: the Champions League. The economic sector will mark a before and after in the negotiations, and here the Catalan team will have to lose.
